{"id":899,"date":"2021-10-11T18:45:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-11T18:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=899"},"modified":"2026-01-08T17:08:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T01:08:59","slug":"be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity","title":{"rendered":"Be Prepared for the Future of Nursing: Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#First_what_is_health_equity\" >First, what is health equity?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#What_are_the_Social_Determinants_of_Health\" >What are the Social Determinants of Health?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#1_Upstream_Factors\" >1. Upstream Factors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#2_Midstream_Factors\" >2. Midstream Factors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#3_Downstream_Factors\" >3. Downstream Factors<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#Social_Determinants_of_Health_and_Health_Equity\" >Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#1_Race_and_Racism\" >1. Race and Racism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#2_Income_and_Wealth\" >2. Income and Wealth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#3_Access_to_Health_Care\" >3. Access to Health Care<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#4_Access_to_Education\" >4. Access to Education<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#5_Housing_Instability_and_Homelessness\" >5. Housing Instability and Homelessness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#6_Food_Insecurity\" >6. Food Insecurity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#7_Environment_and_Climate_Change\" >7. Environment and Climate Change<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#8_Rurality\" >8. Rurality<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#What_Future_Nurses_Need_to_Prioritize_The_Nurses_Role_in_Improving_Health_Equity\" >What Future Nurses Need to Prioritize: The Nurses\u2019 Role in Improving Health Equity<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#1_Addressing_Social_Needs_in_Clinical_Settings\" >1. Addressing Social Needs in Clinical Settings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#2_Addressing_Social_Needs_and_SDOH_in_the_Community\" >2. Addressing Social Needs and SDOH in the Community<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#3_Working_Across_Disciplines_to_Meet_Multiple_Needs\" >3. Working Across Disciplines to Meet Multiple Needs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#4_Advocating_For_Policy_Change\" >4. Advocating For Policy Change<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#How_do_nurses_address_SDOH\" >How do nurses address SDOH?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#How_Osmosis_Can_Prepare_You_for_the_Future_of_Nursing\" >How Osmosis Can Prepare You for the Future of Nursing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/be-prepared-for-the-future-of-nursing-social-determinants-of-health-and-health-equity\/#Additional_Reading\" >Additional Reading<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>What does the future of nursing look like? And how can nurses carve their own path while serving others? To answer these questions, The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine launched their report&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nap.edu\/read\/25982\/chapter\/1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This new report, which commemorated the <strong>International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife<\/strong>, acts as the <strong>roadmap of where nursing is going<\/strong>. Specifically, it states:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>\u201cThe decade ahead will demand a stronger, more diversified nursing workforce that is prepared to provide care; promote health and well-being among nurses, individuals, and communities; and address the systemic inequities that have fueled wide and persistent health disparities.\u201d&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Health equity<\/strong> <strong>cannot be achieved without nurses<\/strong>; their contribution is central to the <strong>delivery of care<\/strong>. At the same time,<strong>&nbsp;student nurses h<\/strong>ave to be aware of this shift in their profession, no matter <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2021\/05\/10\/choosing-a-nursing-specialty-20-of-the-most-popular-career-tracks-for-nurses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the nursing specialty.<\/a><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new <strong><em>Future of Nursing<\/em><\/strong> report identifies why the role of nurses has to focus on <strong>Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)<\/strong> and <strong>Health Equity<\/strong> in the next decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Osmosis<\/strong> is here to support and prepare you for the future with a focus on <strong>equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB)<\/strong> and <strong>SDOH<\/strong>. So you can trust that you&#8217;re learning the most relevant way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, <strong>our team shares key points from the report<\/strong> on why nurses need to <strong>prioritize health equity<\/strong> and <strong>how to address SDOH<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"First_what_is_health_equity\"><\/span>First, what is health equity?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>\u201cNurses live and work at the intersection of health, education, and communities (&#8230;) the world has come to understand the critical importance of health to all aspects of life, particularly the relationship among what are termed social determinants of health (SDOH), health equity, and health outcomes.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the report outlines, <strong>\u201chealth equity is achieved when everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, the <strong>pandemic exacerbated health inequities<\/strong> that mostly affect <strong>low-income individuals<\/strong>, <strong>people of color<\/strong>, and <strong>residents of rural areas<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_Social_Determinants_of_Health\"><\/span>What are the Social Determinants of Health?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, and age that affect health outcomes, including health-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors. <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> <strong>Nurses identify social risks, integrate them into care planning, partner with community services, <\/strong>and <strong>advocate for policy change<\/strong>. Per the report, <strong>\u201cWithout nurses\u2019 active engagement with the social determinants of health, health disparities will persist and worsen, limiting progress toward health equity and broader improvements in population health outcomes,\u201d<\/strong> highlighting the need for nursing leadership and expanded roles to address systemic inequities and achieve health equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, <strong>addressing SDOH requires interprofessional collaboration<\/strong>, with nurses working alongside physicians, community health workers, social workers, and public health professionals, <strong>each contributing distinct expertise to improve patient and population health outcomes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SDOH affect everyone<\/strong> and can be organized into <strong>five areas<\/strong>, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/odphp.health.gov\/healthypeople\/priority-areas\/social-determinants-health\"><strong>US Department of Health and Human Services<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"602\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/social-determinants-health-list.png\" alt=\"A nurse who's gesturing with their left hand and pointing upward shares a list of the primary Social Determinants of Health, which include: \n\n* Economic Stability\n* Education\n* Social and Community Context\n* Health and Health Care\n* Neighborhood and Built Environment\" class=\"wp-image-900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/social-determinants-health-list.png 602w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/social-determinants-health-list.png?resize=300,200 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In more detail, these factors include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Economic Stability:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Employment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food Insecurity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Housing Instability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poverty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Education Early Childhood Education and Development&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enrollment in Higher Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High School Graduation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Language and Literacy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Social and Community Context&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Civic Participation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discrimination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incarceration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social Cohesion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Health and Health Care&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Access to Health Care<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to Primary Care<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health Literacy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Neighborhood and Built Environment&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Access to Foods That Support Healthy Eating Patterns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crime and Violence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environmental Conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quality of Housing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The report uses <strong>the Social Determinants of Health and Social Needs Model of Castrucci and Auerbach<\/strong> to describe the strategies used to improve <strong>individual and population health<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Upstream_Factors\"><\/span>1. Upstream Factors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They represent <strong>SDOH<\/strong> and affect communities in a <strong>large and inequitable way<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Examples: <strong>low educational status<\/strong>, <strong>income disparity<\/strong>, <strong>discrimination<\/strong>, and <strong>social marginalization<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nurses engage in upstream factors<\/strong> by informing <strong>government policies<\/strong> at the local and federal levels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Midstream_Factors\"><\/span>2. Midstream Factors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They represent <strong>social needs<\/strong> or <strong>individual factors<\/strong> that might affect a person\u2019s health.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Examples: <strong>homelessness<\/strong>, <strong>food insecurity<\/strong>, <strong>poor access to education<\/strong>, and <strong>trauma<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nurses focus on preventing disease and meeting social needs<\/strong> by screening for these social risk factors and using data to inform referrals to <strong>government and community resources<\/strong>..<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Downstream_Factors\"><\/span>3. Downstream Factors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>They refer to the delivery of clinical care and interventions:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Disease treatment and chronic disease management.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nurses engage in health care settings<\/strong> (homes, urgent care clinics, hospitals).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All <strong>social determinants intersect<\/strong> (especially <strong>gender, race, and class inequity<\/strong>). So SDOH can be seen as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>40% Socioeconomic Factors<\/strong>: education, job status, family social support, income, community safety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>10% Physical Environment<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>30% Health Behaviors<\/strong>: tobacco use, diet and exercise, alcohol use, sexual activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>20% Health Care<\/strong>: access to care and quality of care.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Let\u2019s take a look at the main social determinants of health.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Social_Determinants_of_Health_and_Health_Equity\"><\/span>Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"602\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/sharon-goldfarb-testimony-card.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-902\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/sharon-goldfarb-testimony-card.png 602w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/sharon-goldfarb-testimony-card.png?resize=300,200 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Race_and_Racism\"><\/span>1. Race and Racism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cThe discussions we\u2019ve been having for a long time about the poor outcomes for communities of color are finally taking place efficiently to end the bias and structural racism that happens in the medical field,\u201d<\/strong> notes Osmosis advisor, Dr. Sharon Goldfarb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Structural racism&nbsp;provides advantages to the dominant racial group while oppressing, disadvantaging, or neglecting other racial groups. It can be seen in residential segregation, the criminal justice system, the public education system, and immigration policy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Segregation is associated with <strong>low birth weight and preterm birth<\/strong>, with <strong>lower cancer survival rates<\/strong>, and a <strong>higher risk of myocardial infarction<\/strong>, as the report outlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cultural racism refers to negative stereotypes and beliefs according to race<\/strong>, which can lead to <strong>structural and individual racism<\/strong> and <strong>unintentional, unconscious discrimination<\/strong> against others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research indicates women of color are less likely to receive an epidural during childbirth, because providers believe in a relationship between race and pain tolerance, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Discrimination refers to microaggressions and treating racial groups differently<\/strong>, with or without intent, which leads to <strong>inequitable access to health and resources<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Income_and_Wealth\"><\/span>2. Income and Wealth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>socioeconomic status<\/strong> strongly influences predisposition to disease, incidences of illness, <strong>increased morbidity and mortality<\/strong>, and even smoking habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Children in <strong>low-income families<\/strong> usually face educational and social barriers, which limits their <strong>social mobility and good health<\/strong> as adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, people with lower income have higher rates of <strong>heart disease<\/strong>, <strong>stroke<\/strong>, <strong>diabetes<\/strong>, <strong>hypertension<\/strong>, and are at risk of at least <strong>4 common chronic conditions<\/strong>, according to the report findings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cThere are things in society that predispose Black people to smoke more\u2014there are up to 10x more tobacco ads in Black neighborhoods. So it\u2019s a big thing we have to do: see the life they are living. Part of the nursing role is to always screen for tobacco use and take that opportunity to talk with patients about smoking cessation,\u201d <\/strong>notes Dr. Goldfarb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Access_to_Health_Care\"><\/span>3. Access to Health Care<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Equitable access<\/strong> is key for <strong>\u201cpromoting and maintaining health, preventing and managing disease, reducing unnecessary disability and premature death, and achieving health equity.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is plenty of evidence showing that <strong>access to primary care prevents illness and death<\/strong> and is associated with <strong>positive health outcomes<\/strong>, which makes it a <strong>critical social determinant of health<\/strong> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Access_to_Education\"><\/span>4. Access to Education<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the report, there\u2019s a <strong>strong association between educational attainment and morbidity and mortality<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the US, adults with a lower level of education have higher rates of <strong>major circulatory diseases<\/strong>, <strong>diabetes<\/strong>, <strong>liver diseases<\/strong>, and <strong>psychological symptoms<\/strong> like feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lack of access to education is a problem for <strong>low-income families<\/strong>, who often live in school districts that lack resources and cannot afford early childhood learning experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Housing_Instability_and_Homelessness\"><\/span>5. Housing Instability and Homelessness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People with limited resources and <strong>unstable housing<\/strong> are exposed to many <strong>physical and mental health issues<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Homeless people face higher rates of <strong>HIV<\/strong>, <strong>alcohol and drug abuse<\/strong>, <strong>mental illness<\/strong>, and <strong>tuberculosis<\/strong>, to name a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the four ways <strong>housing instability<\/strong> affects vulnerable people:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stability:<\/strong>&nbsp;Not having stable housing can lead to an increased risk of <strong>teen pregnancy<\/strong>, <strong>early drug use<\/strong>, and <strong>depression<\/strong> for young people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quality and safety<\/strong>: Poor housing conditions are associated with poor health outcomes, especially <strong>asthma<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Affordability:<\/strong>&nbsp;Low-income families with difficulty in affording rent or utilities are less likely to have a source of medical care and more likely to postpone treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Neighborhood<\/strong>: having public transportation, grocery stores with fresh foods, and safe parks to exercise is linked to better health outcomes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Food_Insecurity\"><\/span>6. Food Insecurity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People from <strong>low-resource neighborhoods<\/strong> often have limited access to <strong>nutritious food options<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They\u2019re more likely to live in&nbsp;<strong>food deserts<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; areas with many fast food shops and liquor stores, but a shortage of fresh produce and restaurants that offer healthy choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Food insecurity<\/strong> is associated with health problems such as <strong>birth defects<\/strong>, <strong>anemia<\/strong>, <strong>cognitive problems<\/strong>, as well as <strong>higher hospitalization rates<\/strong>, <strong>poorer general health<\/strong>, <strong>asthma<\/strong>, <strong>behavioral problems<\/strong>, <strong>depression<\/strong>, <strong>suicidal ideation<\/strong>, and <strong>poor oral health<\/strong>, as the report shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Diabetes<\/strong> is one major issue that disproportionality affects <strong>communities of color<\/strong>. According to Sharon, the prevalence is <strong>14.7% for American Indians\/Alaska Natives; 12,5% for Latinx; 11.7% for non-Hispanic Blacks, 9.2% for non-Hispanic Asians, and only 7.5% for Whites<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cIt\u2019s not all genetic, it\u2019s lifestyle and food deserts and stress. So it\u2019s important for nurses to screen people and help them with lifestyle management and medication compliance,\u201d<\/strong> notes Dr. Goldfarb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Environment_and_Climate_Change\"><\/span>7. Environment and Climate Change<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Environmental hazards<\/strong>, such as <strong>air pollution<\/strong>, <strong>harmful agricultural chemicals<\/strong>, and <strong>poor water quality<\/strong>, are likely to appear in <strong>low-income communities and those of color<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a result, these communities are more likely to suffer because of these hazards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not only do <strong>natural disasters<\/strong> pose huge threats to life, property, and the capacity of health care services in crises, but they affect <strong>under-resourced populations<\/strong> more severely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Rurality\"><\/span>8. Rurality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inequities exist particularly at the intersection of <strong>geography, race, and ethnicity<\/strong>, and <strong>rural citizens<\/strong> face shortages of <strong>healthcare providers<\/strong>, many are uninsured, and lack <strong>transportation and internet access<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, <strong>rural areas<\/strong> have higher death rates across the <strong>five leading causes of death<\/strong> (heart disease, stroke, cancer, unintentional injury, and chronic lower respiratory disease)..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/ACE-NCLEX-RN-banner.png?w=700\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/ACE-NCLEX-RN-banner.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/ACE-NCLEX-RN-banner.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Future_Nurses_Need_to_Prioritize_The_Nurses_Role_in_Improving_Health_Equity\"><\/span>What Future Nurses Need to Prioritize: The Nurses\u2019 Role in Improving Health Equity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As <strong>David Williams, MD<\/strong>, co-chair of the <strong>Future of Nursing committee<\/strong>, Professor of Public Health, and chair of the <strong>Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Harvard\u2019s Chan School of Public Health<\/strong> emphasized:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"602\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/david-williams-quote-card.png\" alt=\"When we invest in nurses, more people and communities will have the opportunity to live their healthiest lives. Nurses interact with all facets of society, from health care, to education, public health, and every level of government. They have a crucial role in charting our country\u2019s course for good health and well-being for all.\" class=\"wp-image-903\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/david-williams-quote-card.png 602w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/david-williams-quote-card.png?resize=300,200 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So as a <strong>future nurse<\/strong>, your role will be central in <strong>addressing health disparities<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nurses are able to improve outcomes for the underserved<\/strong> and can work to address the <strong>structural and institutional factors<\/strong> that produce health disparities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nurses can use their interdisciplinary expertise and holistic approach<\/strong> to help develop and advocate for policies and programs that promote <strong>health equity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can be done by integrating <strong>social care into health care<\/strong> through <strong>adjustment and assistance<\/strong> (focused on individuals), <strong>alignment and advocacy<\/strong> (focused on communities), and <strong>awareness<\/strong> (both levels).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Addressing_Social_Needs_in_Clinical_Settings\"><\/span>1. Addressing Social Needs in Clinical Settings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The provision of <strong>clinical care<\/strong> allows nurses to address <strong>social needs<\/strong> as part of an essential <strong>holistic perspective<\/strong> by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Screening for social needs and reviewing results (especially for <strong>food insecurity, housing instability, utility needs, transportation, interpersonal violence<\/strong>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making referrals to professionals and social services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating customized care plans and coordinating care by working with <strong>social and community health workers <\/strong>and <strong>social services providers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to facilitate these processes, nurses need to learn how to use <strong>technology in their practice<\/strong> but also have an <strong>education<\/strong> that ensures relevant knowledge and proper communication skills related to <strong>social issues<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Addressing_Social_Needs_and_SDOH_in_the_Community\"><\/span>2. Addressing Social Needs and SDOH in the Community<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Public health nurses<\/strong> in particular have extensive knowledge at the community level and can more easily build <strong>trust and mutual respect<\/strong> among them. Likewise, <strong>home visiting nurses<\/strong> play the same vital role in addressing social needs at individual and family levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Public health and community-based nurses<\/strong> can engage with other service providers. Among the roles they will have in addressing <strong>health inequity<\/strong>, according to the report:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Act on the limitations triggered by the inability to afford transportation, food, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Health promotion and disease prevention<\/strong> and control for families within communities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engage in activities ranging from <strong>policy development<\/strong> and <strong>coalition building<\/strong> to <strong>health teaching<\/strong> and <strong>case management<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serve people with <strong>complex health and social needs<\/strong>, such as the elderly, homeless individuals, teenage mothers, those at risk for a specific disease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use data and knowledge of <strong>environmental factors<\/strong> to plan for and respond to <strong>public health crises<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide community and health department feedback regarding policies and programs aimed at improving health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Implement <strong>evidence-based public health programs<\/strong> and develop and manage program budgets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Working_Across_Disciplines_to_Meet_Multiple_Needs\"><\/span>3. Working Across Disciplines to Meet Multiple Needs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interventions of nurses working with other sectors address <strong>multiple needs<\/strong> of individuals and communities and have a wide impact on <strong>health outcomes and health care utilization<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through partnerships with <strong>for-profit and NGOs<\/strong>, <strong>community groups<\/strong>, <strong>federal programs<\/strong>, <strong>hospitals<\/strong>, <strong>technology companies<\/strong>, <strong>community-based nurses<\/strong> work to address various types of health-related needs, from <strong>diabetes management<\/strong> to <strong>transportation<\/strong>, to ensure <strong>low-income families<\/strong> have access to health care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to succeed, nurses need to be educated in choosing the right <strong>multidisciplinary approach<\/strong> to reduce <strong>health inequity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Advocating_For_Policy_Change\"><\/span>4. Advocating For Policy Change<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nurses can and should promote health equity<\/strong> by getting involved in <strong>public policies and decision-making<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can refer to communicating about <strong>health disparities<\/strong> and <strong>SDOH<\/strong> with the public, policymakers, organizational leaders, focusing on challenges and solutions for addressing health, according to the report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In short, the modern nursing profession is shifting the focus on programs defined by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A holistic approach towards health<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Individual-, family-, and community-centric design<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Relationship-based care<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ongoing public health approaches to serve underserved populations.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking ahead, the <strong>future of nursing<\/strong> will depend on how effectively the profession <strong>translates knowledge of SDOH into education, practice, and policy<\/strong>. In addition, the impact of SDOH varies widely across communities and care settings, shaped by local resources, policies, cultural contexts, and health system capacity. For example, a <strong>rural hospital&#8217;s access to resources is going to be very different than those of a private hospital<\/strong> located in a major city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_nurses_address_SDOH\"><\/span>How do nurses address SDOH?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the meantime, here&#8217;s how <strong>future nurses<\/strong> like <em>you <\/em>can help to achieve these goals, according to the report:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Support for and the willingness to take on <strong>new roles in new settings in the community<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consistency in nurses\u2019 preparation for engaging in strategies to promote <strong>health equity<\/strong> by addressing issues that compromise health (<strong>geographic disparities<\/strong>, <strong>poverty<\/strong>, <strong>racism<\/strong>, <strong>homelessness<\/strong>, <strong>trauma<\/strong>, <strong>drug abuse<\/strong>, and <strong>behavioral health conditions<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More <strong>experiential learning<\/strong> and opportunities to work in <strong>community settings<\/strong> throughout nursing education to ensure that nurses have competencies to address individuals\u2019 complex needs and help improve the well-being of communities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nursing education<\/strong> that goes beyond teaching the principles of <strong>diversity, equity, and inclusion<\/strong> to provide <strong>sustained student engagement<\/strong> in hands-on community and clinical experiences with these issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Funding<\/strong> to support new models of care and functions that address <strong>SDOH<\/strong>, <strong>health equity<\/strong>, and <strong>population health<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Evaluation of models<\/strong> to build the evidence needed to scale programs and the policies and resources necessary to sustain them<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Osmosis_Can_Prepare_You_for_the_Future_of_Nursing\"><\/span>How Osmosis Can Prepare You for the Future of Nursing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These new shifts asked for&nbsp;<strong>a relevant, forward-thinking approach to nursing education,&nbsp;<\/strong>as we said before. To accomplish that,&nbsp;the <strong>Osmosis Nursing Library&nbsp;has been infused with this new philosophy<\/strong>&nbsp;so that student learners can fully prepare for their future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Osmosis is trusted by leading institutions and offers nursing students powerful studying tools that align with what you&#8217;ll see in actual practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In <strong>NAP&#8217;s extensive report<\/strong>, the direction for the nursing profession has become clearer than ever: a big focus on <strong>diversity, equity, inclusion<\/strong>, and the <strong>social aspects of patient care<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These new shifts asked for a relevant, forward-thinking approach to nursing education, as we said before. To accomplish that, <strong>our new Nursing Library<\/strong> has been infused with this new philosophy so that <strong>student learners can fully prepare for their future<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nurses often address social needs to improve health equity.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Screening and referrals connect patients with vital resources.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community nurses build trust and deliver culturally competent care.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interdisciplinary work enhances outcomes for vulnerable populations.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nurses advocate for policies to reduce health disparities.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_Reading\"><\/span>Additional Reading<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-is-intersectional-healthcare-and-why-is-it-important\"><strong>What Is Intersectional Healthcare and Why Is It Important?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health-and-why-are-they-important\"><strong>What Are the Social Determinants of Health and Why Are They Important?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-important-are-our-neighborhoods-and-built-environments-in-shaping-our-health\"><strong>How Important Are Our Neighborhoods and Built Environments in Shaping Our Health?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-education-access-and-quality\"><strong>Social Determinants of Health: Education Access and Quality<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-health-care-access-and-quality\"><strong>Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Access and Quality<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/social-determinants-of-health-social-and-community-context\"><strong>Social Determinants of Health: Social and Community Context<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/30.png?w=700\" alt=\"Osmosis ad\" class=\"wp-image-407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/30.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/30.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Join millions of learners with a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free trial<\/a>&nbsp;and enjoy a brand new, inclusive way to become the best nurse you can possibly be!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore how nurses are essential in tackling social determinants of health and promoting health equity through clinical care, community engagement, and policy advocacy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":230,"featured_media":901,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,867,30,32],"tags":[2627,205,2632,905,525,523,2630,2013,2012,245,2631,2628,2633,423,2629],"class_list":["post-899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-equity-diversity-and-inclusion","category-lpn","category-np","category-nursing","tag-community-nursing","tag-cultural-competence","tag-diversity-inclusion","tag-health-disparities","tag-health-equity","tag-healthcare-access","tag-interdisciplinary-care","tag-nurse-leadership","tag-nursing-advocacy","tag-nursing-education","tag-nursing-policy","tag-population-health","tag-public-health-nursing","tag-social-determinants-of-health","tag-social-needs-screening"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - 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